Help Camden Students Thrive with Table Tennis Club

Hello, I’m Brian D’Ulisse, and I’ve been a teacher in Camden, New Jersey, for 10 years. I have taught literature to 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders. Throughout my career, one thing has been abundantly clear to me: educational institutions thrive when there is a strong sense of community.

The Hellenistic Greeks believed in a marriage of sport and academia… just kidding. But it would be teacherly of me to write an essay on why I believe the students I teach need ping-pong tables.

Let’s face it: Camden, NJ, can sometimes be a tough town for a kid to flourish (even though my stomach has flourished from those Donkeys’ cheesesteaks—10/10 recommend). Even so, I’m encouraged by the students who tell me year after year that they want to be agents of change in their community.

All of that to say, the kids I teach are wonderful, and they deserve the best! My goal is to buy two regulation-sized Butterfly ping-pong tables, six standard rackets, ping-pong balls, and a small basket (for drills).

The ping-pong club will be open to about 12 Camden Prep High School students. Entrance to the club will require a consistent B+ average, as I’d like to foster a culture where homework gets completed in between rounds.

Believe it or not, playing table tennis after school at Charlotte Lapla in Wellsboro, PA, were some of the most beautiful moments of my life. It’s zen and exhilarating at the same time. I remember a few of my high school pals playing against Mr. Kennedy, the goat table tennis player, who was a typing teacher and Vietnam vet. It was badass! Those are the kinds of memories I’m trying to create for these students. Plus, I have the chops to teach them a lifelong skill.

I humbly ask that you donate a small amount. Five to ten dollars will go a long way. Please help me bring my table tennis dreams to life! I promise you won’t regret it. Funds will be given to the athletic department, and updates will be provided frequently through my Instagram account, @chillywop, with videos and pictures.

Thank you. ❤️